keystone

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Putin traditionally attends the final day of the event to deliver keystone speeches.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

Sea otters are a keystone species in kelp forest ecosystems, eating sea urchins that would otherwise consume the kelp, according to the aquarium.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

"We are committed to working with local people to minimise the risk of effects from beavers on other land uses, while enabling beavers to resume their place as a keystone species in our ecosystem."

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

They "play a central role in the food web, consuming fish and invertebrates and recycling nutrients" and are one of the "keystone species" of their ecosystem.

From Barron's • Oct. 10, 2025

I must set the keystone in the arch.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin